It has been the greatest privilege of my life

being involved in the lives of such a resilient group of individuals. Every interaction has brought me greater confidence in our shared humanity, and the truth that the color of our skin or nationality is no reflection of our capacity to do good. I have also found, that it is often those that have the least who give the most. When I enter the home of our refugee families, there is often a cornucopia of snacks and tea awaiting. When we enter the home of a single woman from Somalia with 6 children ranging from 3-17, we are greeted with thigh and waist high hugs from the little girls, and the boys quickly march into action to help carry anything we have brought in our arms. Loves knows no boundaries, love is love.

When I first embarked on this endeavor I anticipated finding a small group of like minded individuals who cared about refugees. What I have uncovered instead is an army of volunteers willing to sacrifice their time and resources to ease the suffering of others. Recently when we put out a request for help with moving a refugee family we were flooded with volunteers and furniture. It reinforced what I knew in my heart, that there is overwhelmingly more good in the world than hate.

Although the refugee crisis has been made a partisan issue, we must reinforce that this is a human problem which requires a humane response. We must treat others with the same dignity and respect that we would want for ourselves. Khadija from Somalia deserves the same opportunities as my Layla from Roanoke. I was born in the United States but did nothing to deserve this privilege. Those fleeing war and violence are victims and should be welcomed with open arms.

Thank you everyone that has supported our organization. None of this would be possible without our volunteers and generous donors.